Invitation to renew your membership 2016

Level 1 / 114 William Street T 61 3 9642 4899 office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Melbourne Victoria 3000 F 61 3 9642 4922 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Invitation to renew your membership Thank you for being a member of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). It has been a busy year but your membership has enabled us to accomplish so much. Some of the highlights for 2016 have been: • Speech Pathology Australia initiated the Speech Pathology 2030 landmark project on behalf of the speech pathology profession to develop a vision for the future of speech pathology in Australia. Hundreds of speech pathologists, clients, their families, professional colleagues and other stakeholders contributed to creating the Speech Pathology 2030 vision and eight key aspirations for the profession. • SPA’s success in resolving a range of issues with the NDIA. The Association also made submissions regarding the information, linkages and capacity building component of the NDIS and is in communication with the NDIA regarding the development of the National Assistive Technology Scheme. The Association will continue to provide advice and contributions to support the development of the best possible NDIS. • SPA’s policy and advocacy strategies included important policy and funding discussions and responded to the implementation of national reforms. Speech Pathology Australia advocated to more than 30 elected members of parliament and engaged in discussions on issues of disability, health funding and reforms, aged care and school services. SPA Directors, members and staff provided representation, and created key partnerships to ensure SPA continues to have a “seat at the table” in advocating for the profession. • the Association’s website, redeveloped at the start of 2016, has a fresh “look and feel”. With a completely new menu structure, the website now seamlessly interfaces with the Association membership and events database. A professional home page allows important information to be promoted, while popular pages, such as the Find a Speech Pathologist search, are highlighted so they may easily be accessed by visitors to the site. A once-only login allows members to access their membership information and other member-only resources. As part of a professional body of over 7,500 members you have access to the resources to support and assist you in your chosen profession. The Association’s professional development workshops, online events and National Conference continues to grow and respond to members’ needs. Clinical Guidelines have been developed to guide and support you in your delivery of evidence-based assessment and intervention. The members-only Facebook communities offer a safe place to discuss issues and engage with other professionals. The mentoring program continues to develop while the publications remain a constant source of current clinical and theoretical issues. For those in private practice we have developed a range of practice essentials about how to set up and run a practice. Our partnership with Guild Insurance remains an ongoing relationship offering you discounted professional indemnity and practice insurance. Also as a combined voice, we continue to lobby government and represent and advocate with a range of stakeholders on your behalf. We continue to promote the profession to the public to help them understand the vast services and skills of our members. They know by employing a SPA certified practising member they are engaging with a qualified professional backed by professional standards, specified training levels and a code of ethics.

The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ABN 17 008 393 440

As we move into 2017, we look forward to continuing to support you and the profession. To renew your membership which is due by 1 January, please go to www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/renew2017 , login and follow the prompts. It is important for advocacy, policy and lobbying activities that we have accurate and comprehensive information about speech pathologists in Australia. We therefore ask you to complete as many details as possible during the renewal process. If you require your login details please contact the Association at your earliest convenience. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to your profession and Speech Pathology Australia. With kind regards,

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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